Manchester cycling festival to begin with nude bike ride

North West Velo Fest 2017 will begin on Friday June 9 with the city’s World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR). The two-week festival, now in its sixth year, is described by organizers as a free, non-corporate, DIY event and will run until Saturday June 24.

Run in cities the world over, WNBR is designed to highlight the vulnerability of cyclists and protest against fossil-fuelled climate change and the dominance of our streets by cars.

Full or partial nudity is encouraged, but not mandatory. More than 200 people are expected to turn out for the Manchester ride.

Organizer Andrew Fisher said: “It’s all about getting cyclists to be more visible on roads. Drivers say they don’t see you. We’re saying cyclists need to be seen to get their fair share of the road.”

The ride will be followed by an after party at Sand Bar, which is described as: “Samba band street party! Nudity likely.”

Other (clothed) events to take place in the rest of the festival include a free bike tour of Manchester’s musical history, led countryside rides, bike dancing, bike polo and races with cash prizes.

Festival organizer Joe Hulme says “There’s something for everyone. Obviously the naked bike ride is the one everyone notices – who couldn’t? But it’s not all about getting your kit off. There are lots of other less scary opportunities to feel the wind through your hair in new places.”